GEORGE TOWN: DESPITE being stricken with diabetes and with one leg recently amputated, artist Patrick Lasak, 52, is undeterred from attending and performing in a live demonstration in his latest solo exhibition at the Artefacts Dreamz Gallerie on Mcalister Lane recently.
Lasak, in a wheelchair, was his usual jovial self, speaking vociferously with a sense of humour, with his wife, psychologist Doreen Teh by his side.
Titled What Dreams Can Do, Lasak is showcasing 30 of his masterpieces, oil on canvas works depicting his favourite subjects of seascapes and landscapes. The exhibition is until Jan 5.
A portion of the proceeds from the art sales will be channelled to the Dreamz Foundation.
The exhibition at the recently-opened gallery is also the gallery’s inaugural art showcase.
Dressed in his usual flamboyant style, Lasak showed his spirit despite his physical condition which would have floored many a man.
“It may be these few times that I am able to go public. I am a sick man now and my time may be up soon.
“So, as long as I am still able, I am giving the world my very best.
“At least in your lifetime, you know there is one artist who is different from the rest,” he told the large crowd of art-lovers and supporters.
Lasak took his fans on a tour, giving a detailed history of each painting before performing a live demonstration of his skills of which he has done many times before, for dignitaries, celebrities and for the media in his illustrious career.
Watched by his admirers while a live band played, Lasak gave the onlookers a running commentary about his life, the trials, tribulations and his passion for art, while he painted in his swift style, using layers of thick paint.
“I just paint whatever comes to mind without any idea of what the final product will be. It is the natural inner being in my heart that guides my hand and thoughts.”
Lasak finished the painting in 15 minutes, which he promptly donated to Dreamz Foundation co-partner Angelina Cheong for immediate auction and fetched RM2,400 with the proceeds going to charity via Dreamz.
Earlier, Lasak also donated a painting titled Supernatural Explosion to the gallery.
“Art adds colour to people’s lives, and I hope to make the world a better place through my art which comes from the heart,” said the artist extraordinaire.
Born in Tanjung Bungah of baba and nyonya parentage, Lasak started painting at 13 and trained himself.
He drove himself to create oil paintings through interpreting the ambiance and feel of his memories through his indomitable spirit that epitomises his name and his motto that “the show must go on”.
Dreamz Foundation was set up in 2003 to create a sustainable fund to support society’s needs through financial aid.
The Dreamz gallery was also created to elevate the local arts scene as a charitable endeavour to provide a platform for local artists and communities to come together and facilitate creative explorations for the preservation and enhancement of Malaysian heritage.
Present were Dreamz Foundation co-partner Dr Khoo Seok Wah, art collector Datuk Lim Mook San, Butterfly Farm founder David Goh and Penang State Art Gallery board member Lee Khai.
The gallery is open from 12pm to 2pm from Monday to Friday. For private viewings call 012-722 1912 and for other details call Scott Griffin 012-519 1168.